LT6697B - Menstrual tampon - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a menstrual tampon (1) comprising a pre-moistened natural material, a special tampon form, and an outer fluid-tight shell (3). The tampon also comprises an applicator for easy insertion of the tampon, but it can also be used without the applicator, and a cord or a ring (5) for convenient removal.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to hygienic tampons, and more particularly to menstrual tampons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional sanitary napkins are made of synthetic materials, a layer of polymeric foam, cotton, or viscose, which emits and bleaches dioxin, a pesticide that is hazardous to health and the environment (Nicole, W., 2014. A Question for Women's Health: Chemicals in Feminine Hygiene Products and Personal Lubricants.Environment.Health Perspect.122, A70-75.

https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.122-A70). Cellulose-based swabs often have an outer plastic layer or plastic-coated suture.

The use of tampons is known to be avoided for fear of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but life-threatening disease. Up to 55% of cases are related to menstruation and 99% of these cases are related to the use of tampons during menstruation. TSS causes Staphylococcus aureus bacteria naturally found in the vaginal microflora, but begins to multiply rapidly as the pH of the vaginal medium changes and other favorable conditions occur, such as using tampons made of specific materials (Vostral, SL, 2011. Rely and Toxic Shock Syndrome: A Technological Health Crisis). Yale J. Biol. Med. 84, 447-459), which results in vaginal colonization or infection (especially fine composition, high absorbency, and swabs with chemical bleaches can cause toxic shock syndrome because the extremely fine sharp fiber damages the vaginal walls and absorbs protective vaginal microflora). In the UK, 40 cases of the disease are diagnosed each year, 2-3 of which result in death.

There are known cotton swabs made from pesticide-free cotton that do not pose a chemical hazard, but due to the structure of the cotton, they absorb too much moisture from the vaginal walls and are made up of fine and sharp fibers that damage the vaginal walls and natural microflora. They leave small cotton splinters in the vagina, leaving old blood particles at the same time, which can also damage the pH of the vagina and cause infection.

Women with contact dermatitis and lichen sclerosus dermatitis are the most common lesions of the genital skin (statistically 108 million cases).

In the human world, the disease usually affects women) and lichen simplex chronicum (neurodermatitis) cannot use currently available hygiene products, such as menstrual swabs, for medical reasons that cause pain and exacerbation of symptoms (Rajalakshmi, R., Thappa, DM, Jaisankar, TJ, Nath, AK, 2011. Lichen simplex chronicus of anogenital region: a clinicoetiological study Indian J. Dermatol Venereol Leprol 77, 28-36 https://doi.org/10.4103/0378- 6323.74970). The most common cause of Lichen simplex chronicum is urine and menstrual packets, as one of the main symptoms of the disease is severe itching, which complicates the course of menstrual disease. For all of these diseases, doctors advise the exclusive use of natural menstrual materials or menstrual cups if the skin is not damaged to the level of the wound.

With current hygienic measures, a woman can experience discomfort, infections, and some sources claim to be linked to the development of cervical cancer. Studies indicate that moderate levels of dioxin background can cause health problems such as embryonic developmental delays, birth defects, hormonal imbalances, and immunosuppression. Due to the continued use of products that may contain dioxin, this toxin accumulates in human tissues, mainly in female adipose tissue and breast milk.

Natural sea sponges are used to absorb menstrual fluids in order to reduce the risk of chemical hazards, environmental pollution, and the likelihood of mechanical damage to the vaginal walls. They are pleasantly textured, soft, 100% natural. However, their use is not convenient due to the complex insertion / removal, the shape that is not adapted to the environment of use, and the need to wash well after each use (used as a reusable device). Absorbing liquid may leak. To use as a disposable tool, they become particularly expensive. Because sea sponge is a naturally occurring product, it is non-sterile and has a variety of impurities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) treats them as high-risk products that do not have FDA approval for use as menstrual pads. Data from FDA studies show that sand and gravel particles, bacteria, yeast, soils and even Staphylococcus aureus bacteria have been found in sea sponges.

International application no. PCT / CN2016 / 090676 discloses a synthetic menstrual sponge (which can be wet and dry) for mild menstrual

EN 6697 B days and may be used as a means of presenting medicinal products. The main disadvantages are: synthetic (affects the occurrence of TSS), inconvenient to insert and remove, are intended only for cases of sparse menstruation, due to the shape causes discomfort during use, absorb the intended fluid may leak.

The closest analogue is disclosed in European patent no. EP2448536. The compressed menstrual swab described includes an elongate, rod-shaped body with a filler having an end of the law and an extraction thread having an extraction end. The absorbent body with filler expands by absorbing liquids and can be made of viscose, cotton, cellulose fiber pulp. The absorbent body with the filler may also comprise or consist of an absorbent sponge. The tampon also includes relief devices, such as an insert conforming to the shape of the tampon, from which the tampon can be expelled from the scope. However, these types of menstrual swabs are hard, absorb too much moisture from the vaginal walls, are made up of fine and sharp fibers that damage the vaginal walls and the natural microflora, leaving small cotton splinters in the vagina, which can also damage old blood particles. vaginal pH and cause infection, absorbed fluid can leak, can cause discomfort when using due to awkward shape.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a menstrual swab which does not have at least the above-mentioned disadvantages, i. which does not damage and irritate the vaginal walls, does not damage the mucous membranes, reduces the likelihood of infection, facilitates placement, prevents excessive absorption of body fluids, prevents the passage of menstrual fluids, is convenient during use.

Brief description of the invention

The invention discloses a menstrual swab which is inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual fluids. The tampon comprises a pre-moistened material of natural origin for the absorption of menstrual fluids, has a solid sponge structure, the molecular structure of which prevents the formation of small splinters and is gentle on the vaginal walls, is elastic, and conforms to the cavity. The special shape of the tampon facilitates adaptation to the vaginal walls and ensures the impermeability of fluids. Due to the shape and structure of the swab, the liquid is absorbed where it is formed and safely retained inside the swab. The structure of the sponge allows the swab to be compressed and deformed during use, ensuring comfort but also function.

{upright swab, due to the structure of the sponge, the material from which it is made and the adjusted porosity - the sponge recovers particularly quickly when deformed. Due to its softness, flexibility and special shape, it easily adapts to individual physiology without causing discomfort. The tampon also includes an outer, liquid-impermeable sheath that ensures that the liquid is retained in the tampon when deformed during use, i. prevents fluid from leaking while the woman is moving, which results in pressure, bending, and similar deformation of the tampon material. The swab also includes an applicator for easy tampon insertion, but can be used without the applicator, as well as a string or ring for convenient removal.

Brief description of the drawings

Features of the present invention that are considered to provide novelty and inventive step are provided in the description and definition. The following drawings are intended to aid in understanding the features set forth in the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the detailed description and definition of the invention. However, the drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention, but only as visualizations of exemplary embodiments.

Figures a, b and c show a menstrual swab from the front, side and top, respectively, without recess, according to one embodiment.

Figures a, b and c show a menstrual swab from the front, side and top, respectively, with a recess in the upper part from the side, according to another embodiment.

Figures a, b and c show a menstrual swab from the front, side and top, respectively, with a recess in the upper part from above, according to another embodiment.

Figures a, b and c show a menstrual swab from the front, side and top, respectively, with a recess in the upper part from above, according to another embodiment.

Before providing a detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings of exemplary embodiments of the invention, it is noted that identical elements are denoted by the same numbers in all the drawings.

Detailed description of the invention

It is to be understood that many specific details are set forth in order to provide a complete and comprehensible description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. However, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the detail of the examples of implementation of the invention does not limit the implementation of the invention, which can be implemented without such specific instructions. Well-known methods, procedures, and ingredients have not been described in detail so that examples of the practice of the invention are not misleading. Furthermore, this description should not be construed as limiting the examples of implementation provided, but only as their implementation. Any equivalent equivalent or modification of the features of the invention is considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

A menstrual embodiment of the tampon (1) as shown in Figures 1 to 4 includes an absorbent tampon body (2) comprising an integral absorbent material, such as a sponge-structured material such as a plant-derived material that can easily deform and return easily to an undeformed or a partially deformed state, at least in the moist state. Such material may be produced from Amorphophallus konjac (Leopard amorphophal) plant root powder by extraction of glucomannan and subsequent specific treatment to obtain a sponge structure, or may be produced from other polysaccharides of natural origin such as starch, cellulose, chirin, chitin and mixtures thereof. Said glucomann is a substance used in food, in medicine to cover wounds, which, together with lactobacilli, inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and S. typhimurium, which cause Toxic Shock Syndrome. The product does not contain any toxic chemicals and the final product obtained is chemically pure and biocompatible with the human body, i. ensures the protection of the natural vaginal microflora and healthy intimate hygiene. Due to its biological origin, the glucomannan-based sponge and all its additives are biodegradable and decompose naturally in nature.

The swab (1) also includes a liquid-impermeable sheath (3) that at least partially retains moisture in the swab (1) until it is used and prevents the absorbed liquid from escaping from the swab during use. Said cover (3) covers more than half or less than half of the outer surface of the tampon (1).

In other cases of the invention, the tampon (1) may also comprise an outer reinforcing layer (not shown in the drawing) which reinforces the structure of the tampon (1) and helps to maintain the desired shape.

In all embodiments of the invention, the tampon (1) comprises a removal facilitator (5), such as a thread or string. Said removal means is attached at both ends to the swab at approximately the central area or the upper part (6) or the lower part (7), on opposite sides of the swab, so as to obtain a U-shape, a loop extending from one edge of the swab to the other and forming the possibility of a gap at least between the lower part (7) of the tampon (1) and the removal means (5). The removal facilitating means (5) can also be formed as an integral element pierced through the body (2) of the tampon (1) at any place, such as in the upper, central or lower area of the tampon body (2).

In all embodiments of the invention, the tampon (1) may have an irregular oval shape or any other sleek shape. It is desirable that the upper part be wider than the lower part or of a similar diameter. The width (10) of the swab (1) is larger than the dimension of the swab thickness (12) to replicate the natural biological form of the vagina (https://i.pimimq.com/oriqinals/d9/d1/3b/d9d13b90a7d2c5ba6e5314f2c8b3258f.jpg) to create comfort for the user. The use of solid-shaped devices that create artificial pressure on the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina (where many nerve endings are centered) creates additional pain or discomfort for the user. The upper part (6), which is designed to absorb menstrual fluids, is wider than the lower part (7), which is designed to prevent the accumulation of fluids accumulated in the swab.

In some embodiments of the invention, the top (6) of the tampon (1) may also comprise a recess (8) comprising a concave inner surface (9) of the tampon formed to have the largest possible liquid-absorbing surface that is not covered by a liquid-tight shell. .

In some embodiments of the invention, said sheath (3) may cover the entire outer surface of the tampon (1) up to the edge of said recess (8). In other embodiments of the invention, said sheath (3) may enclose the tampon (1) at a distance to the edges of the recess (8) so that the outer part of the tampon body (2) up to the edge of the recess (8) remains uncovered.

The recess (8) is for the cervix and facilitates fluid retention, as well as faster fluid absorption to prevent blood from settling at the cervix. The surface of the recess comprises a part of the material of the tampon body (2) and may be curved and / or concave in shape, such as scoop, hollow hemisphere, oval, or any other shape, such as comprising edges comprising convex and concave shapes. The edges of the recess (8) can be concave (11) at the side parts of the tampon (1) and convex (11 ') at the top and center of the tampon. The recess (8) may be in the top of the swab (6), in the top of the swab, in a scoop, in a hollow hemisphere, in an oval, or in any other or irregular shape (Figure 3).

The tampon (1) includes at least a non-deformed state when fully expanded, a deformed state when compressed to occupy the smallest possible volume, and a partially deformed state in which the tampon fills the entire application cavity by partially deforming the walls of the application cavity. . This ensures an increased volume of fluids absorbed by the tampon, comfortable adaptation to the shape of the vagina. The reversible deformations of the tampon body (2) ensure that the adaptation to the shapes of the vagina takes place continuously and uninterrupted, with the users both at rest and moving, i.e. when the forces from the vaginal walls to the tampon body (2) cease to act, the deformed tampon body (2) regains its original or partially original shape.

The material of the body (2) of the swab (1) is impregnated with water and / or other impregnants in liquid form. The impregnant moisturizes the entire material of the tampon body (2) to the extent that it transitions from a natural hard state to a soft state. The impregnated sponge base swab (1) does not dry out the mucous membranes, but at the same time absorbs excess moisture, facilitating the insertion and removal of the sponge without damaging the extremely thin vaginal skin, as it has a soft and gentle structure. Various substances that have a positive effect on the vaginal microflora and various medications, such as plant extracts to relieve and / or alleviate menstrual pain, can be used as impregnants. Anti-candidiasis extracts, preventive / prophylactic extracts, bleeding reduction extracts, lactobacilli are possible. According to research, the substance glucomannan, together with lactobacteria, inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and S. typhimurium (which cause Toxic Shock Syndrome). Same,

For women with problems with chronic candidiasis, exacerbations before and after menstruation, a sponge impregnated with medication or impregnated with preventive plant extracts would help them feel comfortable and fight the disease.

Impregnation of the sponge material with drugs is a safer way to treat diseases than direct drinking of drugs without causing severe damage to the liver and digestive system. Due to the thin mucous membrane of the vagina, the drugs reach the target areas more easily. And the material from which the sponge is made improves the release and absorption of the drug.

Impregnants can perform an additional therapeutic or preventive function such as:

• antiseptic impregnation to prevent bacterial growth, anaphylactic shock, bacterial diseases • antispasmodic impregnation, e.g. impregnation with natural plant extracts, • probiotic impregnation, ensuring the maintenance of the mucous microflora • contraceptive impregnation • prophylactic impregnation (with vitamins, plant extracts, etc.) • therapeutic impregnation - with medicines, etc. substances as recommended by your doctor.

The invention also includes a liquid-tight package for said tampon (1), in which sterility and moisture of the material of the body (2) of the tampon (1) are maintained.

Although many features and advantages have been listed in the description of the invention, together with the structural details and features of the invention, the description is provided as an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Modifications may be made in the details, in particular in the shape, size and arrangement of the materials, without departing from the principles of the invention, in accordance with the most widely understood meanings of the terms used in the claims.

Claims (7)

Definition of the invention A menstrual swab (1) comprising a body (2) comprising an absorbent material having a sponge structure and a removal facilitating means (5), characterized in that the absorbent material having a sponge structure is an impregnated, moist, polysaccharide-based material of natural origin, and further comprises a liquid-tight cover (3) on at least part of the outer surface of the tampon (1) A menstrual swab (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sponge-structured material comprises glucomannan. The menstrual swab (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sponge-structured material comprises Amorphophallus konjac plant material. A menstrual swab (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a concave recess (8) having a liquid-conductive surface. A menstrual swab according to any preceding claim which is in a non-deformed state when not in use, in a fully deformed state, before use and in a partially deformed state during use. Menstrual swab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the upper part (6) of which is wider than the lower part (7). A menstrual swab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the removal means (5) of which is attached so as to extend from the opposite sides of the swab (1) to form a loop.